The Acid Test For Anxiety

Microdosing involves taking tiny amounts of illegal psychedelic drugs such as LSD or magic Microdosing, the practice of taking tiny amounts of illegal psychedelic drugs, is being hailed by some as a new form of therapy. We separate the shamanism from the science in pursuit of the truth

- Nicky Pellegrino

Anxiety is a modern epidemic. Officially it affects around one in four New Zealanders – but talk to anyone who works in our schools and universities and they will tell you the problem is far bigger than that. Young people are suffering and mental health services are struggling to help. Last year, one US study showed the percentage of 18-to-26-year-olds suffering from an anxiety disorder had doubled since 2008. And it seems that women are far more likely to experience psychological distress than men.

What if there was a new therapy for anxiety – non-invasive, no side effects, you’d barely even know you were on it except you felt calmer? What if that same treatment could work for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, support the mental health of cancer patients, help in palliative care, control addiction, maybe even boost everyday mood and enhance work performance? Many people believe this potent remedy already exists – it is called microdosing and currently, it is against the law.

Microdosing involves taking tiny amounts of illegal psychedelic drugs such as LSD or magic mushrooms, at about a tenth of the usual dose – potentially all that is required to make changes in the brain.

It first took off in Silicon Valley where microdosing is one way high performing professionals are trying to give themselves an edge in a competitive business. They believe it boosts creativity and focus, increases productivity, improves sleep and helps them manage stress. Despite its illegality, the practice is now becoming more widespread.

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